The Sun. — London, England, 1864-05-06 00:00:00

TE DERBY.—RACE GLASSES (the best), at CALLAGHAN'S, 23A, New Bond-street, W. corner t C oon dait-street. N.B.—Sole agent to Voigtlander, -Vienna. HE PARSON AND THE PAUPER. LOOKS INTO LAW COURTz:. THE CONFERENCE. In this Week's "FUN." ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, Covent - arden. From this time until the end of the season there will be four Op e r a nights in each week, viz., every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and aatwrday. Mdlle. Adelina Patti ; Signor Rmconi ; Signor Mario per- TO-MORROW E VENING (Saturday), May 7, will be f or med, for the first time this season. Rossini's Opera, IL BAK,BIEE DI SCVItiLIA. Rosina, Mdile. Adelina Patti, her first appearance this season ; Bei tha, Madame Tagliatico ; FiWaro , ninnor Honconi, his first appearance this sea.on ; B ar tolo, Signor Cia m p i, his first appearance this season ; Basilio, Signor Tagliatieo ; Florello, Signor Lueche,i ; Sar gente, Signor Rossi ; and Almaviva, Signor Mario. Conductor, Mr. Costa. Commence at hail' past Eight. Pit tickets, 7s. ; amphitheatre rta Is, 103. 6d., 75., and ss. ; amphitheatre. 2s. 6d. Boxes, stalls, and tickets may be had at th, box-ofilc ,- under the portico of the theatre, which is open from ten to five, and at the principal musicsellers' and THEATRE ROYAL DRI: R Y-L AN E. Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, a ,cone from TWELFTH NIGHT. Att e r which, will be produced the Grand stage R ev ival of Shakspere's Chrinicle or Histor ical Play, entitle the First Part of HENRY THE FOURTH. The cast will include impersonations by those= minext trtists, Mr. PHELPS, Mr. Walter Montgomery, Walter Lacy, Mr. Addis() , , Mr. Ryder, Mr. Itobert Roxby, Mr. Barrett, Barrett, Mr. E. Phelps, Mr. Rayner, Mr. 11. Neville ; 31193 Vandenholf, M ti. Belmore, Mr. Ellerton, Mr. Fit zani d Mrs. Edmund Fal es, r. Edith Wynne, M ss Ruse Leclercq, sn coner, supported by all the Members of the Drury-lane Ccm pany. To conclude with AN APRIL FOOL. Mr. G. Delmore. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.— Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr, Buckstone. THIS EVENING, AN UNLUCKY MORTAL. Mr. Wm. Farren and Miss n Barris. After which, DAVID GARRICK. Messrs. Sothern, Chippendale, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, 11l eathersby, &c. ; Mesdames Snowden, Nelly Moore, Fitzwilliam. After which, the new Easter piece, entitled VENUS AND ADONIS. Messrs. Compton, Wm. Farren, Coe. &c.;_ Mes dames Louise Keel e y , Snowden, .N e lly Vower, Hill, Wright, Ro..;ers, &c. To conclude with A KISS ommen IN T atHE DARE. Cce 7. OYAL LY E U T HEAT It Under the Sole Management of Mr. Fechter. In consequence of the Rehearsals necessary for the com plete production of HA.3ILE I', and the immense prepara tions requisite for the New Scenery, painted by Mr. W. Telbin, it is deemed necessary that the Theatre should be sentuntil sp SATURDA Y, Ma 14th, when will b of e pre dLOSE Shakeeare's HAMLEr y . Hamlet, Prince Den mark, Mr. Fechter. Box Office open daily from Eleven o'clock till Five. R OY AL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. — Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, DONNA DIANA. Messrs. Tinlng, Hermann Vezin, ~ e lson, D. Fisher,&c.; Mesdames Hermann Vezin, C. cars,n, ezc Atter which, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The Two Dromios, by the Brothers Webb. To conclude with DRAWING-ROOMS, SECOND FLOOR. AND ATTICS. %Sr £riErirliE-1 - t0 Y AL, ADELY.III. Solo Pronrlator and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. -LN THIS;EVENING,an apropos Sketch, SHAKESPEARE'S HOSE: Messrs. J. L. Toole, R. Phillips, Stephenson. Af er which, at 8, LEAH : Miss Bateman, supported by Messrs. A. Stirling, R. Phillips, Billington, Stuart, Eburne, Stephenson ; Miss IL Simms and Mrs. Biilington. To cAaclutie with Tat: AREA BELLE : 3lessrs. J. L. Too:e, p. Bedtord, it. Homer, Miss Woolgar, and Mrs. H. Lewis. Commence at 7. 1,4 l E S vE S NIN B ,G A a ' n l e ; E K E P. A Y N EV . EVENING.—Hiss Bateman l'lil will appear in her great impersonation of the Jewish ma.den (Alitl further notice. In order ,o give due effect to Luis most remarkable succes‘ of the se,son, eri,ireiy new scenery by the celebrat.a artists Messrs. Danson and eons, and Thonapsai. New dr, ssts and appo ntments have be, n prepared for its production.—N. it. In consequence of the nressing and numerous applications at the Box-otfi..:e, ar =gement, have now been made by which Seats m• y be ob tained a Fortnight in Acivan..e. R OYAL ST. JAMES'S 'l'l - IEATRE, under the Management of Mr. B. WEBSTER. Crowded with rank and fashion.— The greatly successful new Comedy every Evening. Amongst the artists engaged will be found the popular names of Mr. Benjamin Webster, Mr. Charles Mathews. Mr. Frank Matthews, Mr. J. L. Toole, Mr. J. Clarke, Mr. Psul Bedford, Mr. F. itobinson, Mr, Asuley ; Mrs. Chas. Mathews, Miss Herbert, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss A. Cottrell, Miss Fanny Josephs, Miss Patti Josephs, Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Strang. EVERY EVENING, at 7. a Farce, with a new sensation, called s HAKE HANDS : Mr. J. Clarke, Mr. Ashley. Mr. Johnstone ; Miss Fanny Josephs and Miss Patti Josephs. At a quarter before 8, the successful new Comedy, by L. Buckingham, Esq., entitled T LIE SILVER LiNIAG (.harles Mathews, Mr. F. Robinson, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Montague; Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss A. Cottrell, Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Stirling. At 10, OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND. Mr. Charles Mathews and Mrs. Frank )1 att hew s. To conclude with UNDI4:R THE ROSE. Commence at 7. In a few daps a new Comely, by Dion Boucicault, Esq., in which Mr. ant Mrs. Charles Mathews will appear. ROYAL 6TKANI) THEATItE. Manager, Mr. W. 11. Svk - anborough. THIS EVENING, ORANGE BLOSSOMS. After which (Oth time) MAZOURKA. Messrs. Honey, Turner, cte. ; Marie Wilton, Simpson, &e. Followed by TURN HIM (JUT • Commence at 7. COALS.—Ine LILLESHALL COMPANY'S COALS. Direct from their own Collieries. .Marquis'. 24s. per ton. I Double.. 203. per ton. Top 235. „ Nuts,.. lB5. „ Deep ...215. „ Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pots, Virestbourne Park-road, W., and 17, South Wharf, raddinqton, W., and Maiden-lane, N. Best Coke Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, Sole Agent 'astir: EDITION OF '• "I'tiE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, min be had Every Evening of G. It. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. The Weather—Sun Office, May 6, 1864. THERMOMETER. This day at Two o'clock 56 Barometer-29.87. Wind—S.E. ; light breeze, and fine. HIGH WATER. AT LONDON BRIDGE. THrs DA.T.—Morning, 2h. 3m.—Afternoon, 2h. 25m, ro-Aomiow.-Mornin g , 2h. -16m.—Aftelmoon, 3h. im I f . ' 14.:s*':.>0;01,"114, LONDON, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1864. The dilatory do-nothing policy which has latterly characterised in so remarkable a degree, and to such a melancholy extent, the PALMERSTON and R USS ELL administration, is now making itaelf manifest in the procrastinating, undecided London Conference. The sole object hitherto attained by that much-vaunted aesemblage is, the consumption of valuable time. We may have summoned to gether the most able and learned physicians, but while they are in consultation and dispute, the hours and days are passing, and the patient is pass i ng w i t h them ! If an infailable panacea for the malady be at length discovered, what will it avail when life is extinct ? The same procrasti nating o spi r it of inanity" which is now paralysing the Conference is only a new manifestation of that apathetic indifference in high places which has, for some time past, so very naturally excited the popular indignation. We ask, in vain, where is our boasted energy—where is that public spirit for which our statesmen were once remarkable ? There was a time when our veteran chief, who now only avails himself of the weapons of ridicule, the echoes of whose speeches are " laughter " instead of " cheers "—there was a time as ever when he vf the boldest and the bravest in defence of an ally or in support of a principle—when h e o r ode to war no visor to his helm "—and the British public recognised the truest exponent of their national courage and chivalry in Viscount PaLmEn eToN ! There was a time, too, when the dilatory, pro craetinatiog, letter-writing secretary, who now employs folios of insignificant despatches, in place of a fev resolute and determined words—there was a time, too, when he could, from the fluor of the British House of Commons, exhibit to an admiring world the power and independence of the English Parliament. The days, however, " Wh en larguid Johnny glowed to glorious John" are past and gone. The glory is departed, and only the largour remains--a very insufficient prop for the honour and dignity of the nation. While this deplorable inactivity is paralysing the energies of our chief councillors, the individual members of Parliament sre unable to bring the critical con dition of Denmark under public consideration— taeir hands are powerless —their tongues are tied because of this Conference—this all important, alki:mpracticable Conference! In the name of mot& sense let the Conference decide upon its course, or let it make way for Parliamentary decision. Our national sympathy with Denmark, still more our national sympathies for the weaker side—for the po•merless and oppressed—our national honour which is concerned in behalf of those whom we have encouraged to their own destruction—our national_energy which is becoming a fiction—our high place in the councils of Europe, which is becoming a nonentity, all combine to render a prompt decision necessary. Let the Conference save Denmark while it is possible to save her, or let them make way for more determined men. It is certainly not for want of due attention being paid to the subject that the state of the poor in so many parts of the metropolis is so deplorable; but the question is how can the present evils be re. medied, and what steps should be taken to rectify ,he serious errors that have crept into the systems now extant. Day after day there are new horrors to be heard of, and all through the past winter in numerable horrors have been recorded. It is time that some striking change be made in that depart- ment of the law which relates to the relief and maintenance of our starving and suffering poor, for at present it reflects disgrace upon all connected with it ; through its very faulty structure, in the first place, and secondly, from the unsuitable manner in which the officials carry out the task devolved upon them. Two letters in the Times of yesterday throw some light upon this complicated subject, and as all fresh information on this im portant point is desirable, they had better be perused by all those who are giving their attention in this direction, whether as active agents, or as merely collecting information and gathering hints for others. One of these letters informs us that there are certain restrictions which interfere with the working of some of the societies which are formed for the visitation of the poor. Many of these prohibit their members from administering temporal relief at all, intimating that " secular work" interferes with " strictly spiritual work." The writer of the letter referred to observes that ,here restrictions are not likely to further th 9 pro gress of the work in view. There seems consider• able truth in this, for any rules that tend to excite irritation and promote controversy are always pre judicial to the working of a system, and must more or less mar the interests of the undertaking they concern. It is also mentioned in this cone• munication that the Bishop of London's Fund pur. poses to provide for the extension of the system of lay agency. It is consequently neccssary to decide without loss of time how far the present practice shou d be continued. The second letter on this subject suggests a very good scheme for the succour of the distressed ; it is that an or ganised visiting society should be established for the inspection of the outdoor poor, on the same principle as the one orga nised by the Bishop of LONDON for the visita tion of the Unions of the metropolis. Such a plan, is is remarked, would greatly decrease the number of cases of starvation. There can be no doubt that it would be a very desirable arrangement, and a all events there can be no reason why it should not be tried. A convincing proof is here given of its efficacy in the fact that in Lancashire, notwith standing the great calamity that occurred, there were hardly any such cases of death from want as occur so frequently in London—the reason being that " out-door relief" is so general, and voluntary almoners were very active in their exertions. Surely, then, argues this writer, " the wealth, the organising power, the good intentions of the capital are at least equal to those of the people of the North," and there must be every reasonable ground for expecting the same satisfactory results, if only a right understanding is come to as to the best mode of assisting the poor. The defects that have hitherto existed in all our systems of " relief," as they are called by courtesy, but which redly seem named on Cast principle of lucus non lucendo, have caused the most lamentable results to take place, and no one, however sceptical as to the feasibility of proposed alterations, can venture to assert that no change is required. There has been so much dreadful suffering recorded, and so many untimely deaths have taken place, that a long list of ghastly witnesses are arrayed in answer to any who would attempt to deny the failure of the present systems of poor law regulations. There is no valid reason to be given in extenuation of this grievous state of things; the extreme cold is not enough indication, because the rules and regulations of the system are worth nothing if they do not and cannot provide for such an emergency. Preparations ought to be made every autumn for a severe winter ; too much care and caution cannot be exercised, and if a little unnecessary expense is incurred, that should not enter into consideration compared with the lives that are at stake, and the sufferings that are so cruel, Bethnal-green, in particular, has furnished instances of excessive misery and destitution which have been treated with the grossest neglect on the part of the authorities in many cases. It is difficult, and perhaps impossible, to say what line of conduct ought to have been adopted in so many conflicting circumstances ; but one thing is certain, at all events, that they did what they ought not to have done, in refusing admission to the Union on many occasions. The practice that prevails in so many places of refusing to let one member of a family enter the " House," unless all become in mates, is a most abominable one, and cannot be too severely censured. If it were open to no other criticism, it is enough to stamp it with reprobation that the discussions that always ensue concerning the matter wane precious time, and while one side argues this way, and another asserts that state ment, life and death are struggling in the balance, and too often the stern messenger decide 3 the dis puted point, and the poor sufferer is hurried away from the world that has been so weary, and the worldlings that have been so cruel. There must be something radically wrong in the workings of a system that proves so unpalatable to the class for whom it is designed. Many die immediately after their admission to the Workhouse, and this because they have waited till the last possible moment before seeking for an entrance therein. If all was arranged as it should be this mortal dislike would not exist, and it is a scandal that it should. The real way of treating this question of the manage mentler of Workhouses should be considered by the poor-Law B oard. If the institution be not a sham, o r a sinecure, s urely its members can act, and show themsev aellse' enough and humane enough to wibe devise a remedy for the starving and suffering poor, who are - b e e e,sgin o r , on wretched lives, and whose deaths from actual want are a stigma on our social system, a disgrace to cur Government, and a reproa c h t o society. It is of no consequence what red-tapists are offended, or prejudices sacri ficed. In such R cause, to break through precedent is a high and,holy work, and the zeal that effects a sweeping change will be meritorious,and cannot fail to be appeciated. There ought to be no further incitement required than this, that perishing fel• low-mortals demand relief, and that overtasked strength, inexperienced youth, and toil-worn old age, seem to have no refuge appointed for them by the law, bat are where chances of support are very problematical. Something must speedily be done to r ectify this very unsatisfactory state of things, TliE SUN, LOIN DON, FRIDAY EVENING, MAY 6, 1864, and this is the right season to undertake the work, before another winter comes in with all its horrors of inclement weather to terrify the poverty-stricken and strike down the feeble. If a better syEtem be not devised, when the present has so grievously failed, it will be a lasting shame to all concerned in the conduct of affairs, and must inevitably draw down the indignation of the eommunity. The policy of annexation has long been denounced by all conscientious and reflective men. That course so long followed by our Anglo-Indian administrators has been felt to be justified neither by right reason nor expediency. Like all manifest injustice, it ended in producing indirectly an amount of loss and injury more than commensurate with any temporary advantage. It alienated the minds of the natives from our rule, it made them suspicious of every movement and fostered the idea that our secret motive was to root out the ancient faith of the Hindoos, and virtually to annihilate the people. The feeling of enmity thus cherished bore bitter fruits in the terrible year 1857; but the lesson earnt in those disastrous mouths has had its effect. t called the attention of England to the manner in which her Indian Empire was governed ; it con. vinced her that it was her duty, no less than her interest, to inaugurate a change in the administra tion of affairs in her vast Eastern dependencies, and happily the consideration of what may be the most materially remunerative course is no longer the ruling question. The broad principles of justice, humanity, and toleration, enunciated in the famous Proclamation which transferred the Government of India from the Company to the Crown, have at least become the recognised form on which our administration should be modelled, however much they may be disregarded by individuals confirmed in the contrary prejudices. Unfortunately, the enlightened statesman who presided at the India Office at the time of the transition has been replaced by a Secretary of State of entirely opposite views. In many instances, Sir CHARLES WOOD has, unfor tunately, deemed it expedient to reverse Lord STANLEY'S principles of action; but the public will learn, with as much surprise as indignation, that he favours that system of selfish and reckless annexation which has brought the name of DAL UOUSIE into such discredit i❑ India. The story of Dhar,* as told by Mr. DJ(KINSON, even accept ing only half his statements as facts, is one of those narratives of oppression, injus• tice, rapacity, and cruelty, which cannot fail to excite the warmest indignation when fully and fairly told. Allowing for exaggeration or acri mony there are some indisputable facts. Thus there is no denying that the state of Dhar was, subse quently to the mutiny, annexed to the British Crown, o❑ frivolous and unjust charges, or that the attention of the Board of Control having been called to the effair,Lord STANLEY, after examining into it. thought fit unconditionally to disallow that annexa tion. The State had been confiscated on the plea that it was expedient to demonstrate to the native princes and chiefs that the British Government held the Darhars responsible for the conduct of their armies, and the mercenary troops of Dhar having joined the rebellion, such a punishment was con sidered advisable. Lard STANLEY, in his despatch of June, 1858, very justly observes that " we could not consistently punish this or any other weak state for its inability to control its troops, when it was patent to the whole world that the more power ful states of Gwalior and Indore, and even the British Government itself were unable to control theirs." The Home Government therefore directed that the attachment of the state should only con tinue pending the investigations into the instiga tors of the outbreak ; that those convicted should be pnrished, and that arrangements should be made for restoring his inheritance to the young Rajah, and the young Prince being a minor, a Regency - was necessarily to be appointed. This despatch, as we have said was written in June, 1858. We are now approaching June, 1864, and not one of its directions has been carried into effect. As the title of Mr. DICNISSON'S work tells us, Dhar is not restored, " in spite of the House of Commons and of public opinion," neither, apparently, is there much chance of its being so unless the House of Commons bestirs itself in the matter. The young Rajah is kept in the background, and declared, by interested parties, to be incapable of exercising the functions of Government, although, according to Mr. DICKINSON'S testimony, he is master of three languages and of more than ordinary intelligence. The State income and the revenues of the RAJAH'S family have been seized, and all allowance withheld from the unfortunate Ranees, both of whom have succumbed during the last six years to the humiliations, the poverty, and the anxiety of their degraded position. The trea sures and jewels of the State, valued et £BO,OOO, have been seized, the heirlooms of the royal family sold by auction, and the proceeds divided as prize money, which reached such a large amount that it was last year stated that every private soldier would receive about £4O. This is bad enough, without Mr. DICKINSON'S explanation, that the insurrection of the mercenary troops at Dhar was entirely due to the supineness and negligence of Col. DURAND, their officiating agent for the Governor-General in Central India, who was charged with the command of a moveable column intended for the support of the native Govern ment, which he persisted in retaining at Mhow, disregarding all applications for help from Dhar. At the close of August, 1857, the iilussulmen seized the fort of Dhar. The Durbar at once forwarded to Colonel DURAND a statement of the event, with particulars of the guns, grain, trea sure, ammunition, &c., in the fort, and begged him at once to send a detachment of British sol diers for the subjugation of the mutineers. The application was refused, as were many subsequent ones to the same effect. In 1858 the RANEE, despairing of justice from the agent, addressed the Governor-General in the following terms — "From the day the Wellaitees seized the fort, con stant applications for assistance were submitted to the British authorities. The importunity seemed at last to be so distasteful, that even a reference to the subject was deemed offansive." And this was at a time when the adhesion of every native prince or Durbar was of incalculable importance to us! The poor RANEE had, however, reason to think that the distaste for her appeals extended to Calcutta, since the only notice of her letter was an intimation that it must be forwarded through the official channel—that is through Colonel DURAND, the very man of whose conduct she complained. And it is on the ground of the outrages committed by the mercenary troops whose outbreak he refused to quell that the whole estate of Dhar has been con fiscated, the Ranees hunted to death, and the whole of the treasured heirlooms of the family dispersed for prize money to men who certainly never fought at Dhar. It must not be supposed that these state. ments are only substantiated by the assertion of a private individual, however trustworthy, since Sir ROBERT HAMILTON, an experienced Anglo-Indian official, remonstrated strongly with the Govern ment, but in vain. great blame must be attached to Lord CA.;;NING for deliberately disregarding in- "Dhar, not Restored in Spite of the House of Commons and of Public Opinion." By .J, Dickinson, F,a,Ats,, Ii g, Parliament •atreeti structions from the Home office without even corn munieating his extraordinary decision to his chief, 80 long as Lord STANLEY retained office. Ques- tions on the matter were disregarded; even a de spatch of March, 18:9, produced no effect; after Sir C. WARD'S accession to office, however, Lord CANNING forwarded a despatch justifying the an nexation. The Home Government, however,decided, according to Sir C. WOOD'S reply to Lord STANLEY in 18d0, upon retaining the State only during the young Prince's minority. As we have before stated, frivolous excuses have since been made until it has become but too evident that the good faith of Eng• lishmen is not be trusted in India, and that Sir C. WOOD looks with a favourable eye upon a policy of annexation. It remains to be seen how the right hon. baronet will exonerate himself when next questioned, and what view the English Parliament will take of a transaction eo discreditable iu its nature, and so totally opposed to every principle upon which we profess to govern our Indian empire. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) DENMARK, REFUSAL OF THE ARMISTICE BY DENMARK. COPENHAGEN, MAY 5, 3.39 P.M. The conditions proposed by the Great German Powers as indispensable to their acceptance of an armistice, have been declined by the Danish Go vernment, which refuses to raise the blockade of the German Ports. THE WAR IN JUTLAND. (From the Correspondent of the Tunes) HAMBURG, MAY'6. It is reported that the Austrians purpose crossing .nto Funen, La Patrie publishes the following telegram " HAMBURG, May 4, 6.35 p.m. " The Austrian squadron has appeared at the mouth of the Elbe. It has joined the Prussian ships. The Danish vessels have withdrawn without giTing battle." AMERICA. QUEENSTOWN, MAY 6. The Inman steamship Etna from New York on the 23d ult., arrived here 12.40 a.m. She brings 91 passengers, and 1,369,000 in specie. She landed 19 passengers, and proceeded for Liverpool at 1 a.m. All well. LITERATURE. 7he Spirit of the Giant Mountains. A Series of Fairy Tales. By M. C. E.; from the German. Murray and Co, This little volume records the varying legends in which Rubershl, the Giant Spirit of the Mountains, plays a prominent part. They are full of interest and humour, not devoid either of the moral so often found lurk ing under fairy lore. The spirit is a whimsical creature, who occasionally plays stern tricks, but he is oftener repre saited as a just, though kindly creature, who rewards honest industry and kindliness in the most liberal fashion, reserving his terr.rs for the cruel and crafty or the avari cious. There are many instances of poor labourers and their families suddenly enriched, of merry-hearted fearless children befriended by the mountain sprite. Rubezahl's healing plants, too, gives rise to many a legend. Alto gether it is a very pleasant collection of tales, which will introduce their young readers into a world quite new to them. Luttrell of Arran. By Charles Lever, Part 6. This periodical does not come up to what might have been expected from the pen of Mr. Lever, on a.aubject of which he is such a master as that of Irish DIIBLIN.—" General Garibaldi" is the subject of he first article. It gives us a brief resume of some of the most striking incidents in that remarkable man's career, and will doubtless be attractive to the large class of readers who wish to know as much as possible of his doings, and like to study the chief attributes of his character. "Madame George Sand's life and character. As the characters of the dra matis persona are developed, they show evident signs of exaggeration. It is certainly not consistent with the description given of Sir Gervais Viner that he should employ such a simpleton as ➢ir. Brinlay for his legal ad viser, nor is it natural that the old Irish peasant should be at once so noble in his rough nature, and yet possess such low cunning as he displays in some passages. The young Irish peasant girl Kitty O'Mara has been adopted by 'Sir Gervais Viner, much to the annoyance of his sister in-law, Georgina, who forthwith sets her wits to work to oust her from her position, and, as the concluding chapter indicates, with a certain amount of success. The plot of the tale is cleverly contrived, and in spite of the objections above alluded to, cor.tains much to interest the reader. Early Opinion of Herself" is a parer which is written with care, and, while acknowledging the great talents displayed by this remarkable woman, it justly condemns her want of principle and exposes her want of faith. There is one thing to say in part extenuation of her strange ways and objec tionable opinions —that her surroundings were very unfur- :unate, and the influences to which she was subject were Mr. Facey Romforch Hounds, By the Author o. "Handley Cross," &c. not at all beneficial ones. Still it seems rather effrontery for one so situated to attempt to put the world to rights, and to discourse so fluently on the bringing up of children, and other matters which intimately concern the welfare of society. As so much exaggeration bas been employed in discussing this writer's career, it is very desirable that some one should take up the subject who deals with it in a calm and moderate tone. " Yaxley and its Neighbourhood" is continued at some length. It is a well-written story, and is now approaching the climax of its interest. Mrs. Pilmer's selfish and cunning plans seem likely to triumph, but before the close of the tale it is most probable that she will come to a sad termination of her unworthy attempts. Bessie is A new serial by the author of " Handley Cross " and " Mr. Soapey Sponge's Sporting Tour," is sure to be welcomed by the public, but we had rather so able an author bad introduced us to an entirely new hero, and likewise to one of better repute than Mr. Rumford, whom the readers of Mr. Sponge's adventures may remark as an individual a few shades lower in charac ter and honesty than even that gentleman himself. Mr. Pacey Romford having been disappointed in his expecta tions from his uncle, determines to play a bold card, and becomes the master of a subscription pack, in which en deavour he seems to have succeeded, Mr. Sponge and his pretty wife are introduced, and if we are to draw an inference from the illustration on the cover, Lucy, who has been deserted by her faithless husband, will possibly figure in future numbers. The descriptions are clever, and what might be expected from the author's antecedents, although he, as is his wont, delights to pourtray the dark side of sporting character, naturally described in her levity, and little Lisette, as usual, is quite an exception to the others, with her peaceful de- meanour and thoroughly unselfish disposition. " Nineveh" is a poem which describes that majestic spot, but it is written in rather too heavy a style to be attractive to many, though some of the thoughts are good and the ideas well expressed. "Orpheus" is a more ambitious attempt. The first part here is given : it is melodious in its strain occa- sionally, and well calculated to please the reader. "An Old Shakpere Weighed in an Even Balance. By the Rev. A. Pownall, M.A. Saunders and Otley. The motto of this work aptly explains its pur port. It is taken from King Henry the Sixth, " Who hath not heard it spoken—How deep you are within the books of God." The author explains in his preface that he has attempted to illustrate the striking stmiliarity ,that exists between passages of Shakapere's writings and texts from the Scriptures. This interesting pamphlet is worthy of attention, and the author has the merit of originating the idea of thus collecting and com piling the several examples at the present time. It is to be presumed that everything that has reference to the works of this immortal authorwill bo welcome,and there is no reason to doubt that the issue of this little work will be success ful, exemplifying as it does how the mighty composer did not draw all his inspiration from the sources of human in• telligence, but delved in a deeper mine of wisdom, and ascended to more sublime heights of glory. Irish Actor and his Times" recounts the adventures of 'homes Dogget. It is interesting, and the man put before ua must have been no common character, " Tho Grand Tour," in its fourth excursion, treats of the Court of Saxony. This series of papers is worthy of notice, since they bring various places tetore the reader who may not always have time to study them in a more detailed form. "Notes on Dante—Epic Poetry" will suit classic tastes; and two or three other articles of interest complete the contents of this number. DR. JOAN BROWN'S NEW CHAPTER OF GOSSIP, •Under the odd title of " Jeems the Doorkeeper," the author of " Rab and his Friends" has another of his delightful chats with us. He calls it by a sub-title a lay sermon. He prefixes to it the whimsicallest woodcut of a bottlenosed fellow, knife in hand, round whose effigy we decipher the words—" Wall oo ripp 'er up noo t'' We needs must read on through the twenty-three pages, Dr. John Brown has us fairly by the buttonhole : and what is more, while listening to him we never for an instant have a sense of feeling bored, DALZIEL'S ILLUSTRATED VICAR OF WAKEFIELD —in this third part for May—sustains its high reputation. The artist, G. J. Pinwell, and the engravers, the Brothers Dalziel, vie with each other. How success fully, the very first embellishment in the current number before us will of itself sufficiently attest. DALZIEL'S ILLUSTRATED ARABIAN NIGHTS EN TERTAINMENTS—Part V. of which is published with the May magazines —we may speak yet more highly of than of the Dilziel's Goldsmith just particularised. Yet, while saying this, it should be borne in mind that whereas the fancy of one clever artist alone is called into play for the illustration of the Vicar of Wake field, several artists—two of them men of no less celebrity than Mr. Millais and Mr. Tenniel—supply embellishments to the Arabian Nights. The best of all the drawings this month is the first, viz., that of Bedreddin Hassan and the Pastrycook. ARCLIBISHO? TRENCH'S SERMON ON SHANSPERE —the sermon, that is to say, that was preached by his grace in the parish church of Stratford•upon- Avon, on Sunday, April 24, 1864, at the celebration of the Tercentenary of Shakspero's birth—has been recently published in the form of a shilling pamphlet of 20 pages, by the Messrs. Macmillan. " Every Good Gift from Above" is the suggestive and reverent title of it—a title hinted, of course, by the text, which is from James, ch. I. v. 17. As a memorial of the tercentenary celebration at Stratford, it will be especially interesting, of course, to those who lis tened to it. LONDON SOCIETY.—There is as usual plenty o entertainment to be found under this sparkling cover, and he must be a very critical reader who cannot while away an hour very pleasantly over its lively pages. The anecdotal memoirs of the London Opera Directors are continued, and this instalment is en riched with four portraits. The fifth number of " The Merchant Princes of England" is devoted to the Greshams of London, of whom the City bears many a goodly token, "Notes drawn on the Avon Bank for General Circulation," is, of course, a Shaksperian article, end one worth reading, and is adorned with a very pretty illustration. " The Ordeal for Wives," which is the chief story in this magazine, proceeds with interest, and there is also an amusing, though rather improbable sketch, entitled " How Charley Blake went in for the Heiress," in which the gentleman met with better luck than he deserved. " Notes on Dress at a Fancy Ball" discourse on the vagaries of costume, and "A. Gossip about Garden Games" is not inappropriate at this season. There are several other articles of varying merits. CHAMBERS'S JOURNAL.—This old established favourite has lost none of its merits in the new series, but has rather added t 3 its attractions. The part before us is chiefly remarkable for its Shak sperian Tercentenary number, which is the best of the literary memorials of the poet which we have seen. In the other numbers included in the monthly part there is a groat variety of reading, The story of "Lost Sir Massingberd," which has attracted some notice, is brought to a conclusion, which is certainly original. "The Station Master's Daughter" is an exciting tale of the sensation class, while " Mr. and Mrs. Rose's Party" is a clever humorous paper, "The Becoming of Attorneys and Solicitors" is a well written sketch, as is also " Dramatic Failures" and " What it costs to See the World." There are many other articles ranging from grave to gay, from amusement to instruction, which tend to maintain the old reputation of the Edinburgh Journal. THE GALLERY OF GEOGRAPHY. By the Rev. T. Milner, ALA.—This really beautiful and valu able work has reached its seventh number. It is altogether of a character above ordinary serial pub lications, the illustrations being really excellent. It is styled, correctly enough, a pictorial and descriptive tour of the world. The representatives of Marseilles and Cher bourg are very good. The frontispiece representing the City of New York, is admirable, and Antwerp and Amster dam are also highly effective. We advise all who regard geography as something more than a mere list of names to place these numbers on the shelves of their library. THE JOURNAL OF THE WORKHOUSE VISITING SOCIETY. Longman.—The third report of the Industrial Home for Girls and the Home for In firm Women, opened some time since under the auspices of Miss Twining, is the principal feature in this number. It is very gratifying to find that these excellent institutions have prospered as they deserve to do, and we trust that there will be no lack of help forthcoming to en able them to extend their operations. There is the usual amount of correspondence and general information on workhouse matters. One fact, briefly stated, pleads forcibly for the need of some kindly supervision of such establish ments. In the last 10 years, it is said, out of every 1,000 deaths in the city, no less than 145 occurred in workhouses ; and this large proportion is not drawn exclusively from the idle and dissolute classes, since half the deaths are among five classes of persons—labourers, servants, and charwomen, porters and messengers, and tailors and needlewomen— thus including some of the most hardworking classes, Such statistics speak for themselves. "THE BRITISH ARMY REVIEW."—In the num ber for May, just now published with the maga zines, we find the following excellent remarks in regard to the extravagance of " Hero Worship" re cently evidenced towards Garibaldi. After remark ing it to have been i❑ the writer's mind reasonable " that he (Garibaldi) should receive the freedom of the largest, wealthiest, and most influential city in the world ; that he should bo feted and lionised ; that the nobility of England should extend the hand of friendship to one of the finest of Nature's noblemen," the " British Army Re view" adds "but, we apprehend, when the present excite ment has somewhat subsided, that a reaction to a certain extent will set in, and that sensible men will acknowledge in calmer and more impassive moments that we have al lowed our feelings to carry us too far, and that it is neither right nor proper to venerate Joseph Garibaldi as a God, or to seek to kiss the hem of his garment,' as we are told, on the authority of the daily papers, thousands sought to do on his entry into London." THE ROSE, THE SHAMROCK, AND THE THISTLE MAGAZINE.—This magazine has a special claim on our attention from the fact of its being issued from the Calednian Press in Edinburgh, and cones quently being entirely composed by females. It clear and excellent typography does honour to the fair com positors, and may safely compete with any serial issued from a regular establishment. Its merits, however, are by no means restricted to the actual letterpress, since its con tents are quite up to the average of aerial literature. The present number has several interesting topics, among them "The Life of the Countess of Nithsdale," famous for the romantic escape of her husband through her means, and a memoir of " An English Admiral of the Olden Time," Sir John Berry, a distinguished naval commander of the 17th century, The female photographer gives uc w. sewible Western TVoods and Waters. By John Hoekyns Abrahall, Jun., M.A. Longman.. This is rather an original kind of work; much care has been bestowed upon its compilation, and the reader who likes to study the peculiarities and wonders of an interesting region will be delighted with its perusal. It consists of poems and illustrative notes. There are also a map and a frontispiece. The subject is a description of a July among the woods and waters of the red man. It is mentioned in the introduction as " that magnificent region which presents the grandest combina tion of inland woods and waters that earth can show." Some various measures are adopted in the course of this work, and occasionally the metre is of a very flowing de scription. Many characteristic sketches are given, and some legends are skilfully introduced, which enliven the course of the poem. Altogether there is quite enough in the contents of this book to arouse the curiosity, awaken the interest, and stimulate the inquiry of the reader. It is written throughout in the style and spirit of one who enters on his task con more, and thus it is animated and ex pressive. Reynard, the Fox, in South Africa. By W. H, Bleek. Trubner and Co. The most industrious reader amongst ns is pro bably unaware of the fact that there exists such a thing as a Hottentot literature, yet that such is the case is amply proved by the little volume before us. It consists of Hottentot fables and tales, and is chiefly translated from original MSS. in the library of Sir G. Grey, K.C.8,, who was at one time Governor of Cape C.)lony. The fables are, as might be supposed, of the quaintest character, and great numbers of them refer to the animal kingdom, wherein lions, jackals, &c., hold discourse. But however primitive these legends may be, they possess a certain interest from their origin, as the translator observes in his preface. The fact of Euch a literary capacity existing among a nation, whose mental qualifications it has been usual to estimate at the lowest standard, is of the greatest importance ; and that their literary activity (in contradistinction to the general character of native literature among negro nations) has been employed almost in the same direction as that which had been taken by our own earliest literature, is in itself of great significance. Though we cannot suppose that the general reader will care much for these singular narratives, they will certainly, on the grounds thus enumerated, at tract the attention of the philologist. A Woman's Example and a Nation's Work, Ridgway. We have here a tribute to the self devotion and public services of Florence Nightingale, and a ucord of the progress of the great work she set on foot. It is chiefly occupied by an account of what has been done for the care of the sick and wounded in the American army of the North, and in the course of the narrative supplies some fresh and interesting informa tion. Spiritualism, its Facts and Phases. By J, H, Powell, Pitman. Criticism is perfectly useless with regard to such a book as this, since if the author actually believes the personal experiences which illustrate it to have taken place, ho will not easily be convinced of the light in which they appear to mortals unfavoured with raps on the wall, and falls of the crockery. We can only express our regret that such works houicl be circulated, influencing, as their professed authenticity doubtless does, the minds of weak and article on "Tact, and no tact," illustrating the startling credulous persons, such as in the last generation would blunders sometimes made for lack of that useful quality, have watched for coffins from the fire or windingsheets in "Railways and Railway Travelling" come under conside the candle. One thing is very evident, that education is at ration, chiefly as regards their effect upon health, The very low ebb in this uncanny spirit world, judging from stories of "Jacob Morriston," "Harry Vowhampton," and ,he caligraphy of the officiating mediums. " Misses and Matrimony," proceed in their several styles, mid there are several other contributions of varying interest. THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE INDEPEN DENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS. April.—This very excellent and well-edited journal pays duo tribute to the honoured twenty-third. It has an original poem on the subject by Eliza Cook, and a capital paper by the edi tor, entitled " How do you spell Shakspere ?" which as cusses the variations of the immortal name in a very enter taining fashion. The general contents are good as usual, The story of " Self Help" is brought to an end ; and there are articles on " Popular Applause," " Genius and Happi ness," "Small Talk," and " Moral Vanity." "A Voyage over the Atlantic" is pleasantly described by - 1,1 7 . Aitken ; and there is the customary full allowance of intelligenc9 respecting Oddtellowship and Friendly Societies. THE ECLECTIC.—Tne _Eclectic opens with an article o❑ " Good Sir John Eliot,' whom 11. r. Forster has made so familiar to us. " The Sacred Poetry of Heathendom" is an interesting subjeoL discussed at some length. " Thackeray, the Preacher," is the title of an article which renders high praise to the moral purpose of the lamented novelist's writings. THE SIXPENNY MAGAZINE.—" Barry O'Byrne" is continued at some length, as is the eccentric story of " Singed Moths." "An ex-Policeman's Story" is, in its way, better worth reading than either, and there are plenty of minor sketches. There is an article on '• Balyac," and others of varying merits on Jerusalem, nexico, and "Perils and Disasters." A new series of papers on " Parlour Acceptations" describes the mysteries of bead work, and gives twelve explanatory illustrations. THE FISHERMAN'S REVIEW. Nos. 1 and 2. The appearance of this little serial will no doubt be attractive to many, and there is good ground for the assertion in the preface that it seems inexplicable that hitherto there has been no magazine devoted to Fish and Fishing. The contents of these opening numbers bear ample testimony to the skill with which thevarious contents have been culled and collected. Illustrations, descriptions, and reports are in turn presented to our notice, and several chapters on various subjects, such as " Oyster Culture," &0., furnish a quantity of information to all who desire t become better acquainted with such matters, and have decided taste for piscatory pursuits. THE MUSICAL MONTHLY is replete with interest ing information respecting music and the drama Of course the Shakspere Festival is ably dealt with The presentation piece for the piano is a pretty little ballad, set in F, entitled " The Voice of the Mcrning." We must still impress on the conductors of the magazine the necessity of giving us something of more pretension--a piece worthy of being played by a clever and advanced musician. BEETON'S Bor's i%IAGAAINE abounds in stories of fact, fiction, and history.— fhe Englishwoman's Magazine is more than usually attractive this month, and the other cheap publications issued by the firm all evince spirit and enterprise. CASSELL'S PUBLICATIONS seem to increase in number every month, and whilst this is the ease each one seems intended to outrival its predecessors in beauty of illustration. Shakspere (Part III.) contains the opening portion of the "Merry Wives of Windsor." Robinson Crusoe, with the two parts previously published, compose the first quarterly section of the work. Dr. Waller, the editor, seems determined to render the Illustrated Goldsmith one of the best editions published ; and some commendation may be awarded to the illustrated Bunyan, which contains the opening numbers of " The Holy War," with five beautiful engravings. The Natural History and History of England are each works of great merit and use fulness. NIMMO'S COMPLETE WORKS OF SMARSPERE, edited by Mrs. Cowden Clarke, will be found to be amongst the best illustrated editions published; and the Gardener's Magazine is replete with information, useful alike to proficients and amateurs. THE INNS OF COURT AND THE BAR. TO THE EDITOR OT THE SUN. Stu,—The public is much concerned in the subject of your article on Calls to the Bar in your journal of yesterday, and should be much obliged to you for it; but the reform required is not confined to calls to the Bar. It should be extended to the Bar itself—indeed, an examination test, without any reform of the Bar, would be unsatisfactory, because it would not materially, or perhaps rot at all, benefit the suitor. It may be asked—what is a barrister P He is an undefinable gentleman. We know what an archi tect is as contradiatinguished from a builder; but no one knows what a barrister is as contradiatinguished from a solicitor. Eut though a barrister cannot be defined, his privileges are well known. He is by courtesy entitled to be called " learned," though he undergoes no examination rhatsver as a condition precedent to his having that title. He is by courtesy heard by the judges, who silence all other agents of the suitor. Hence he possesses a monopoly in the Forum. What then is the Bar I It is a fraternity supported by monopoly ; and upon what title is this mono pcAy founded ?—a verbal ceremony—which is as delusive as the tricks of a conjuror. In short, a call to the Bar is a proceeding founded on an imaginary title to learning— which, however, confers civil privileges, as if an examina tion test, entitling the candidate to real learning, had been gone through. The truth is that the Bar is governed by favouritism. It has its origin in favouritism ; and, from the inception to the end of his profession The barrister is a monopolist. This is the reason why the Bar tolerates the infamously unjust system of promotion, of one barrister over another, and which originated in usur pation by the Crown over the long-established rights of the Bar, and which since has been continued, and still exists, by usurpation, to the great detriment of the Bar and the suitor. The Crown, without any examination, without any test of merit, without any public services, raises one barrister over his brethren, and gives him advantages of years of exist ence through which he has not lived—which practically creates within the Bar itself another monopoly—an inner monopoly of oral or audience business in court. Under this system many a barrister has had his professional wel- fare unjustly destroyed, for it operates in the majority of cases with equal detriment both to the barrister advanced and to the barrister passed over : to the former, because it very frequently, indeed, causes him to be unemployed, since the qualifications for oral business do not exist in him ; and to the barrister passed over, because he may possess those qualities, and yet, by his n on-advancement, cannat avail himselt of them. To the suitor it is worse than injurious, it is a grievous public injustice ; for in the taxation of cost■ a far larger fee is allowed in faveiur of the favoured mem bers of this inner monopoly or inner Bar—the gentlemen with Q.C. to their names—than they would e7er gain under a system of free and honourable competition, What then is required ? The answer is obvious, First, A severe and learned examination, so that the public, before a man becomes entitled to the privileges of a barrister, should have some seourity that ho deserves the title of "learned gentleman." Secondly, A removal of the division which exists between the Inner and the Outee Bar—the Crown in no way inter fering so as to favour one barrister in preference to another ; —in short, free competition at the Bar. I am, sir, your obedient servant, YERITAS, London, May, 1864, Without pledging ourselves thereby to any coin cidence of opinion with " Veritae" in his demand for the abolition of the dignity of Queen's Counsel, we think it but fair to give our corre spondent a hearing, and therefore ptblish his letter unabridged.—ED. Sun 3 Herr Wilhelm Coenen's Matinee Musicale. This accomplished pianist gave a Matinee Musi cale at the Hanover-square Rooms on Wednesday. He was assisted by Madame Lemmens-Sherrington and Madame Shepherd Ley as vocalists, and Signor Sivori and Monsieur Lemmens as instru mentalists, so that the performers, if few in num ber, were select. There was a due admixture of classical music, relieved by the songs and ballads of the ladies. Madame Lemmens-Sherrington, who now occupies a foremost position in cur concert rooms, especially distinguished herself in Rode's celebrated variations, which are well calculated to display to full advantage her voice and style. Mdme. Shepherd Ley,in addition to mo re am bi t i ous performances, sang a very pretty ballad w i t h great taste and expression. Signor Sivori, whose presence ed a solo is always an acqnisition to a concert, pl ay by Prume, entitled '`La Melancolie," to w hi c h i t i s almost needless to add, he gave full eff e ct, M ona . Lemmens performed some of his own compositions on the instrument wh i ch h as lately become so popular, while the concert giver acquitted himself twith give c general r edi t . A satisfaction, oagtiestfhacetriotnh,eapnedrftohe concert may bermances appeared considered as decidedly successful. THE RED SKIPPER. The following fragment of an amusing skit, pur porting to be an ancient Scotch ballad, has been communicated by Jonathan Oldbuck, jun., to the Morning Herald :-- The Qu—n she sato in Windsor Tower Said she, ,‘ My ladyes fine, Oh wha will rid me of yon Red Skipper That stirs this land o' mine ?" Then up and spoke Sir Charlie Ph—pps, That gallant K.C,8., "May it please your grace, the Sutherland yacht Is the swiftest sails the sea." The Qu—n she's written a braid letter, I wean wi' angry look, An' she's sent it aff to St—fl—rd House, To the duchess and the duke. An' she's sent anither to Bedford John, An' to Palmerston the same, To say she's ra' surprised at ane, But t'ither she counts a shame. The duke feasted in St—ff—rd H —se, The duchesses twain also ; And Garibaldi in the midst, And his suite all set in row. The Mayor of Hampton an' his dame, S—l—y and B—les, of course, And Bassoeke (who once annexed The English parson's horse). An' the betty Airl o'Shaftesbury, Wha fought the Man o' Sin Wi' Bible twa ilk side his plate, When Sir Ch—r--i—s he entered in. Now save and sain ye gentles a' I I bear the Qu—n's behest, And mickle I fear, my masters dear, Her humours' no the best. " For I saw her w' the Times last night, And the lost aneath her arm ; And the Tizer on the table lay ; An' she said, W e 'll co me to harm. "`For it bodes nee good when loons like you Take Sovereign's name in vain ; And we know how he wrote to the Pope o' Rome Free aft the Spanish Main.' " Ye may hand up your hands, Lord Shaftesbury, But ye'll sure believe your een, When ye read it prented in black and white. As sure as Pm the Qu—n-- " Sa)itt' how he fain wad strike a 1 ,1,, vv Foe the weal o' Peter's sec, An' how th e P ope was t h e sa intliest priest In a' the south sou n t r i e l "" We heard n ae wor d o ' t h e et vampyre " then, Or the Goddess Reason's Or meltin' bells into guns or looms, 0 sic' like deevilish work.' " I'm thiukin', glide Lord Shaftesbury, Ye'd better gas hame an' pray For a craftier head au' a wiser wit Than ye hat shown to-day. "And when next ye gas to Sydenham Wi' the Druids an' Bands o' Hope, Just keep in mind what your Hero said (When it suited hint) o' the Pope. " And gar him read his Bible— Gude kens ! He needs it sair— A.nd dare to mix your Sovereign's name Wi' his bobtail crew nae maid. Royal National Lifeboat InstitutiolL A meeting of this institution was held yesterday at its house, John-street, Adelphi—Thomas Chap man, EEq., V.P., in the chair. There were also present Sir Edward G. L. Perrott, Bart, Ad miral Gordon, George Lyall, Dq., M.P., Colonel Palmer, Admiral Hall, C. 8., F.R.S., Alexander Boetefeur, Esq., Admiral M'Hardy, W. H. Harton, Esq., Captain Ward, R.N. (inspector of lifeboats of the institution), and Richard Lewis, Esq. (the sec retary). The minutes of the previous meeting having been read, a reward of £6 was also voted to the cie Kr of the Withernaea lifeboat of the society, for going off and rescuing a fishing boat and her crew of three men on the 16th ult. A reward of £9 was also granted to the crew of the New Brighton tubular lifeboat, belonging to the institution, for going off to the barque Corea, of Guernsey, which had stranded during squally weather on Taylor's Bank, Liverpool, on the 19th ult. A reward of £9 was likewise voted to the crew of the Campbeltown life boat of the institution, for saving the master and. crew of 12 men from the Norwegian barque Iris, of Stavanger, in Machrihanish Bay, near the Mull of Cantyre. A reward of £5 10s. was also granted. to the crew of the lifeboat stationed at Castletown, Isle of Man, for rescuing the crew of the schooner Water Lil:y, of Pwllhell. A reward of £H was likewise voted to the crew of the lifeboat of the society at Lossiemouth for going off and saving the crew of three men from the sloop Barbara, of Burg head, which was totally wrecked during the heavy gale of wind off Lossiemouth, on March 11. A. reward of 16 was also voted to the crew of the life& boat belonging to the institution at Scarborough, for going off and saving one man from the smack Howard, of Grimsby, which was totally wrecked off Scarborough on March 27. A reward of £lO was likewise granted to the crew of the Sheringham (Norfolk) lifeboat for putting off and saving the crew of five men from the French lugger Chasseur, which had struck on some rocks near the village of Sheringham during some stormy weather on the 7th. March. Rewards amounting to £O2 were likewise granted to the crews of various shore and fishing boats for going off and saving the following ship— wrecked crews on difftrant parts of the coast of the, United Kingdom—Schooner Britannia, of New Quay, two men saved ; fishing boat of Shetland, two; sloop Shamrock, of Wicklow, two; pilot boat in distress off Lerwick, seven ; smack Mary Ann, of Portleone, seven ; brig Palladiam, of Shields, seven; brig Undaunted, of London, seven; fishing boat in distress off Hilton, Ireland, five; brig Alice, of Newcastle, nine; fishing-boat, ok Cul lercoats, four; Norwegian sloop, Syken, of Stavanga, five; and brig Sane, of Wise beach, six ; total, 63 lives saved. It was re- ported that the French Government had requested the favour of the institution to order for it three lifeboats, to b 3 stationed on exposed points of the French coast. The lifeboat builders, Messrs, Forrest, had also ready two lifeboats to send to Holland and Bremen. A report was read from the assistant-inspector of lifeboats, Captain D. Robert son, R.N., on his recent visit of inspection of its lifeboats on the Irish cast, all of which he found in. excellent order. It is stated that Captain Reed. R.N,, of Marlborough, was collecting, in Wiltshire. the cost of a lifeboat station; and that Mr R. Affieck, of Manchester, and Mr W. Bishop, of Boston, and other commercial travellers, were raising amongst themselves the expense of a lifeboat establishment. Legacies had recently been received by the institu. don from the executors of the following persons : The late Mr Milborne Williams, of Whirchurch, £45; Mr W. Websdale, of Ipswich, £79 16s ; Mr Samuel Clark, of Huddersfield, £l4 lOs ; Mrs Ann Thompson, of Blackheath, £B2 8s Id. Edmund Clowes, Esq., had also forwarded to the inst, tution a donation of 100 guineas. The institution di, tided on issuing some new instructions for the restora don of the apparently drowned, based on the combined ptineipies of Dr, Marshall Hall and Dr. H. 11. Silvester. Payments amounting to nearly X 1,200 having been made on various lifeboat orents, the proceedings terminated. THE WOMEN OF ALABAMA.—An Alabama paper, the Columbus Sun, says :—" D. C. Humphrey has issued a peace proclamation to the people of Alabama, which is not read, much less observed. A man named Greets gave :s, Miss Juliette Chapman a bundle of them to hand to her friends. Upon being told what they were she, tossing them into the river which she was crossing. replied—' Do you. think, sir, that I would boar such papers to my countrymen r and turned in contempt from the wretch. There, now, said Greets, ' look at that ; how can We have peace when the women carry on so r A few Federal officers wore looking. on. The Federal officers endeavour to ingratiate themselves into good society, but the ladies will not notice them. They gave a concert, promenade, and supper, issued the gold edged tickets right end left ; I,?nt n9t a sinle would uttend," Npt